A Little Learning

what happens

After release from prison, Bert Kramer (Bruce Dern) comes to Medicine Bow to find his estranged wife who is the new school teacher, Martha Perry (Susan Oliver). A Shiloh hand, Rafe Simmons (Albert Salmi), tells the Virginian he is quitting. He goes to town, get a job in the harness shop and gets Martha to teach him to read. Bert Kramer arrives in town and is spotted by Emmett Ryker who recognizes him as a hired gun. Rumours are spread that Rafe and the schoolteacher are having an affair. A local barber, Cal Beeson (Harry Townes), who has had a run in with Rafe, and Bert Kramer plot together to ambush the harness shop worker. However, Rafe manages to get the upper hand. In a struggle over a gun, Bert is killed but Rafe is cleared by the actions of the Virginian and Martha who get Beeson's young son to own up to the plot.

guest cast

Billed for this episode only — the turn people remember an episode for.

• GGeorge Kirgo as Bartender
• Susan Oliver as Martha Perry
• Dub Taylor as Walt Cooper
• Harry Townes as Cal Beesom
• Dave Willock as Hank Jessop
• Alice Frost as Mrs. Kolbey
• Craig Huxley as Kenny Beesom
• Bruce Dern as Bert Kramer